Can you leave leftovers at room temperature for no more then five hours?

It's generally not safe to leave leftovers at room temperature for more than two hours.

Here's why:

* Bacteria growth: Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature.

* Food poisoning: Eating food that's been left out for too long can increase your risk of food poisoning.

The two-hour rule is a good guideline to follow. If you live in a hot climate, you should aim for even less time.

Here are some tips for safe food storage:

* Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.

* Divide large amounts of food into smaller containers for faster cooling.

* Use a food thermometer to ensure leftovers are properly reheated to 165°F (74°C).

It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.